GTA Online: Rockstar Apologises With GTA$ For All Players

Rockstar has announced it's giving GTA Online players half a million GTA$ as compensation for multiple launch issues.

The cash will be given to anyone who's played Grand Theft Auto Online during the month of October, and will be delivered in two deposits of $250,000 each in order to avoid destabilising the in-game economy.

While Rockstar has yet to confirm exactly when the money will be dished out, the studio is hopeful the first batch will arrive next week, following confirmation that the most recent patch has indeed resolved the issues that caused characters to be deleted. The second instalment should arrive before the end of the month.

The announcement reads, "For players who experienced cloud server errors, connection issues, and lost game progress and characters in these first days of GTA Online, we hope this GTA$ helps to facilitate a fresh start or makes your continued life in Los Santos and Blaine County extra sweet."

As previously mentioned, to qualify you need to have played GTA Online during October. Additionally, you'll have to install a new title update (1.04) due for release next week that should hopefully sort the issue that's causing purchased vehicles to disappear.

Additionally, Rockstar has confirmed that this means if your character was deleted, you won't be getting them back. An updated post explains, "For those asking about their lost characters or rank, those will not be able to be restored so we sincerely hope that this cash stimulus we’re giving out this month will help you get back on your feet."

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Junior Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on IGN and on Twitter.